Peter
The battle starts at 10 AM.
Peter has to sneak out of his Spanish class to join the action. Leaving is difficult with the school going into strict lockdown. Somehow, he escapes into a city of chaos.
Robots are destroying everything at its wake. They run into buildings with enough force to collapse them all. There’s rubble everywhere and fires that burn the structures that remain. The sight makes Peter’s heart constrict and jump all at the same time.
The Avengers fight the army of robots, doing everything they can to protect the city. It becomes evident how much they are outnumbered, and Tony doesn’t even yell at Peter when he sees him arriving for battle. Peter throws a robot into another before it can fry Iron Man with a laser. Sparks fly at the collision while Peter grabs onto Tony, swinging him away on his web before either of them can get caught in the damage.
Peter is about to shoot another web when he feels Tony repositioning himself. Before he knows it, repulsors are filling Peter’s ears. He feels metal arms linking under his armpits, lifting him to the nearest rooftop with speed that blurs the world around them.
Peter stumbles when they land, using Tony’s arm as a grip.
“Woah.”
Tony then lifts his face plate, and his expression is so serious that it makes Peter freeze. Another laser shoots past them and he is reminded of the severity of the situation. Tony wastes no time giving the rundown.
“These robots match your strength and fight on the offensive. There’s a lot of noise so you’ll have to protect your enhanced hearing as much as you can. The control panels are located on their backs which is where you should attack. Use your webs to hit them from afar but watch for the lasers. They’re causing second and third degree burns. Try to avoid looking at the beams so they don’t mess with your sight. And stay by Rhodey no matter what.”
There are no time for questions. Peter nods once in acknowledgement and turns to action before he feels a hand on his shoulder. Tony’s eyebrows furrow with worry.
“I have to go back to the lab and stop the robots from their software. If you so much as hurt your pinkie, you tap out. Capisce?”
Peter looks to the side and watches two robots destroy another building. There is a large hole that makes the apartment unsteady at its base.
“Don’t you think that’s a little dramatic?”
“Fine, we’ll compromise. Find me if there are any bad injuries. FRIDAY will report your vitals so I’ll know if you’re avoiding me. Make this easier for the both of us.”
There’s a loud crash that follows with screams of terror. He hears a child crying a few blocks away.
They’re wasting time.
“Deal.”
Tony looks like he doesn’t fully believe him. Still, the world is burning around them. He squeezes Peter’s shoulder and leaves towards the tower without another word. When Peter turns on his comms, he already hears Tony giving the team a new order.
“-we have more backup now. I’m headed to the tower to start working on hacking into their system.”
Rhodey chimes in the comms, “I’m nearby, I’ll make sure no robots compromise the area while you’re working.”
“My hero. The kid is going to meet you there.”
Tony says the words pointedly, like Peter does not have a choice in the matter. For once, he doesn’t mind. He likes the idea of staying close to Tony and keeping him safe.
It’s truly his intentions to make it to the tower. The first delay starts when he finds the child that was crying earlier. She’s around four years old, holding onto her mother who must have been knocked out from a robot. There’s blood on her forehead, and the implication makes Peter feel dizzy. He ignores his own fears.
“It’s okay! Spider-Man is here now.”
Peter feels ridiculous referring to himself in third person. He’s not sure if the girl recognizes who he is until she looks up and shouts.
“Spidey!”
After that, it takes little time for Peter to gain the girl’s trust. Even then, she is crying too hard to stand on her own feet. Before Peter knows it, he has the child perched on his hip as she clings to his body. The mom is hanging off his shoulder as he carries her like a firefighter would. He wraps his arm around her thighs to secure his grip.
It takes some time to get them to the hospital. He thinks about how serious a head injury can be and tries to distract the daughter by asking questions. Her name is Annie. She has calmed a little bit, sniffling in his arms and eventually burying her head into his free shoulder. Peter tightens his hold while the Avengers offer updates through the comms.
Luckily, there are only two robots that try to attack them on their journey. They shoot lasers that Peter only dodges because of his sixth sense. He kicks and breaks the hardware in one strike while Annie screams into his chest. It’s too close of a call.
He is shaking in anticipation by the time they make it to a hospital. There are nurses stationed outside helping as many stray visitors as they can. The facility is already overpacked and it’s only an hour into the battle.
It doesn’t take long for a male nurse to find them, and he takes the lifeless mother from Peter’s grip. The daughter is handled next and she starts squealing for Spider-Man.
It all happens so quickly as the paramedics leave with no exchange. Only the nurse nods in acknowledgement, maybe even gratitude, before charging back into the overflowing hospital.
For a moment, Peter stands there lost in his own thoughts. He can only hope that the mother is okay. He wonders if Annie had any injuries she didn’t tell him about. He thinks of May, working at a different hospital and saving lives in this exact way.
Peter hears another scream, and it brings him back to reality. The battle has just begun.
He evaluates the surroundings, only then noticing the police team shooting at the robots at the perimeter of the hospital. The sound of each gunshot rings in his ears and takes him back to memories he can’t afford to think about. He focuses on the fight.
The bullets are holding back some of the robots, though it’s clear that it’s not enough. The realization jolts Peter back into action. He activates his webshooters and swings in the air, merely missing some of the gunshots as he collides into a flying robot. As he makes impact, he webs three more onto different buildings. He continues this routine until the robots are either held down or destroyed. Two of his ribs break in the process and a laser hits him on his bicep.
Still, Peter doesn’t have time to collect himself. As soon as he lands on his feet, a cop approaches him with a walkie talkie in hand.
“Spider-Man! Any chance you could head to 5th Avenue-”
Peter doesn’t need to hear the rest of the question, “of course.”
After a brief rundown, Peter is on his way. It’s much quicker to get there by swinging rather than walking on his measly two feet. He still wonders about Annie and the mother.
Manhattan is not far away, though he fights too many robots in the process. Another laser hits his side, though he is able to take them down with relative ease.
When he finally makes it to 5th Avenue, he can see why he was called for backup. There is a sea of robots attacking both armed forces and buildings. The civilians all hide inside restaurants, stores, and other shelters. Some of them are even pressed close to the windows, watching the robots in action.
Peter looks around to see no Avengers on site. He webs onto a robot and pulls it towards him before it can run into a window that people crowd by.
When the robot is close enough, he throws it all around and uses it as a buffer. The robot smashes into others that were on its way to attack him.
In the few seconds, he sees a different robot slam into the building next door. It feels like they are multiplying. He hears the gunshots from the police, the heartbeats of witnesses, and the shouts of horror from all around him.
Peter finally turns on his comms, “anyone near Manhattan? We have a situation.”
Tony is the first to answer. “What situation? Are you alright?”
When Peter stands still, he finally registers the laser-burns that are melting his body away. His ribs feel like they crack when he takes too deep of a breath.
“I’m alright.”
“Peter,” Tony says as his first warning.
Clint saves him from the lecture, “Tony- this is not time for roll call.”
Sam interjects next, and there’s an edge in his tone that Peter knows is going to start an argument.
“Yeah, how is the hacking going anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be a genius?”
“That’s cute, how about you stop by and give it a try bird brain-”
Rhodey interrupts, “Tony, focus.”
He hears Tony sigh, “are you sure you’re okay Pete?”
Peter doesn’t think this is what Rhodey meant when he told Tony to focus. Nevertheless, Peter understands that Tony needs to believe he is safe before he can keep working. He answers into the comms, hoping it doesn’t pick up the defeaning sounds as Peter webs up another three robots.
“I’m okay Mister Stark. Just requesting some back-up. We’ve got a lot of robots on 5th Avenue.”
“I already have some suits tracking your location. They’re on their way.”
Peter lets out his own shaky sigh. He’s relieved despite everything. Tony is always looking out for him even when they are separated.
When Tony speaks next, it’s through a private comm.
“You’re supposed to be with Rhodey.”
“Hey, I’m trying! There’s a lot going on.”
And it’s true. Peter has already stopped 10 robots from hitting buildings. He senses rather than sees the police getting hit in the span of minutes. They’re being swarmed, and the best way to stop them is at their level.
Peter scales up a building, sticking to the side and trying to attack them from behind just like Tony suggested. It works like a charm, and more robots drop when Peter manages to hit them in the right spot.
Peter somehow gets another 15 down before a robot rams into his side. He feels his shoulder dislocate at the strike. Peter is falling before he knows it, and he barely connects his web to a parallel building. As he swings up, three other robots follow. One shoots a laser through his web, and it all happens so quickly when he face plants into the ground.
Ouch.
Through the pain, he succeeds in taking down two of the robots. He uses each of his hands to slam them to the floor, and the movement makes his shoulder throb. The third robot is about to knock into his head when something throws it back.
Peter watches a shield tear the robot in half. He turns to see Captain America running towards him. There is concern laced in his features.
“You’re not looking too good.”
He hears Steve’s heartbeat, along with all the others, beating too quickly as he stares down at Peter. It’s hypocritical, because Steve doesn’t look much better himself. He has burns littered across his left leg and a cut on his temple that has blood trickling to his chin. He limps as he moves forward and bends down to Peter.
“We’ll have one of the Iron Man suits take you to the medbay.”
The suits have now arrived, attacking the robots and giving them some time to stall. It’s still not enough.
“No.”
Peter can’t leave now, not when they are in the thick of battle. The Avengers are holding off the robots as best as they can, but they’re spread thin across the city. Armed forces follow suit, risking their lives in the mayhem.
Peter knows that it’s fighters like himself and Steve that are making the biggest difference. They have the strength to match the robots. They’re the only ones who can hit up close.
“My shoulder is dislocated-”
“I can see that-”
“Can you pop it back into place?”
Steve falters, “that- that’s gonna hurt. This isn’t the place to do it.”
“Please.”
Peter wants to take his mask off. He wants Steve to look into his eyes and understand what needs done. It’s not the place to do that either, so he tries to convey it through his voice.
“They need us.”
To prove his point, Peter hears more screams as a robot runs into a wall. He takes his good arm and webs the robot to the door before it can fully break in.
Steve watches as the robot spasms behind the web. It twists its head 360 degrees before turning off altogether. The attempt to escape has the robot malfunctioning as web fluid leaks into its hardware.
Steve turns back to Peter with a look of resolve that only a true solider can possess. He gently grabs onto his arm.
“I’ll count to three. This is about to be painful…”
“I’ve had worse,” Peter promises. It doesn’t seem to make Steve feel better.
Peter waits for him to count to three. He prepares for Steve to set his shoulder when he reaches two. What he doesn’t expect is for Steve to skip this routine altogether. He sets his shoulder back into place in one motion.
Peter screams. Black spots dance along his vision and he feels himself go pale in the face. He’s seconds away from passing out until he feels a hand on his cheek. Steve tilts his head so they are forced to look at each other.
“Pull it together Queens. We need you.”
The words are sharp, though his eyes are caring and apologetic. Peter blinks away the pain and grounds himself to the ending world. The ache in his shoulder keeps him present.
“Thanks,” Peter barely stammers out.
Tony enters the comms, his voice urgent.
“Is someone with the kid? His heart is racing.”
Steve jumps in, “I’ve got him. He’s good.”
Steve nods once, urging Peter to say something as well. Everyone knows how particular Tony can be when it comes to Peter’s safety. He is still catching his breath when Tony presses on.
“Peter?”
“You need to keep working Tony.” Natasha begins speaking in the comms. She’s quickly ignored.
“Peter? Spider-Man? Take a deep breath for me.”
Tony switches to a private comm, coaching through each gasp and centering Peter in a way that only he can. His ribs are still drumming and he thinks he may have broken more at some point.
Still, Peter forces himself to relax. The battle is not over yet. He listens closely to Tony’s voice and moves to stand on his feet.
“I’m good,” Peter finally responds. He hears Tony sigh in relief.
“Let Cap handle Manhattan. Find Rhodey and stay by his side.”
Peter distantly watches as Steve rams his shield into two other robots. He makes eye contact with Peter and points to the left.
His sixth sense flairs in warning. Peter barely manages to jump out of the way and strike a new robot with his elbow.
“Got it,” Peter replies absently before shutting off the comms. After that, the fight continues on. Peter has Captain America’s back in the same way that Steve has Spider-Man’s. If he had any time to think, Peter would be impressed with their handiwork. Just as Peter suspected, their strength makes an impact.
When all of the robots are down, Steve moves to talk to police officers. Some of the civilians start to creep out of the their shelters, observing with curiosity. Others even begin taking videos with their smart phones. Peter can barely breathe.
Steve then finds Peter, putting a hand on his good shoulder.
“Great job out there.”
“You too. Where to next?”
Manhattan may be safe, though this is only one borough. He thinks of Queens and hopes that the hospital is protected. May is in there. He unconsciously begins to move at the thought.
Steve hesitates for just a moment, “I think you should go back to the tower.”
And just like that, Peter halts in his steps. He can’t help the anger that rises in his throat.
“What? You said you needed me.”
“And we do, but Tony needs you more. He’s too distracted and we need him to take these robots down from the inside.”
Peter can tell that there is someone speaking into Steve’s comms. They are having conversations without him. The thought makes him bristle.
They’re still wasting time.
Peter turns on his comms so everyone can hear. He still can’t help it when his voice seethes.
“I am not leaving this battle. You’ll have to drag my dead body before that happens. I’m fighting until these robots are shut off.”
There’s an unspoken threat in Peter’s demand, begging Tony to hack into the system. It’s not often that Peter retaliates against the team, and it’s silent for a moment.
“Don’t speak like that,” Steve starts.
But Peter is not listening anymore. He turns off his comms and rushes to the next fight. He needs to check on Queens.
He’s quick enough that Steve can’t follow. His whole body burns as he swings past the city. It is determination, rage, and a little bit of stubbornness that keeps him moving.
They doubt him, but it doesn’t matter. The battle is not over.
Before he knows it, Peter is reaching Queens. He fights robots every which way and tries not the throw up when a laser hits his back. He’s starting to become unsteady on his feet. It doesn’t stop him from reaching the hospital.
Somehow, it is even more packed than the first hospital was. Just as he suspected, robots fly everywhere as patients keep piling in. His heart beats for May alone.
He fights the robots like his life depends on it, because it does. Unlike last time, the armed forces that hold off the robots back away instantly, letting Peter take control.
There are iron suits that eventually join the fight, and Peter almost drops in gratitude. It takes more time than it should, but all of the robots are down with effort.
Peter wants to rush in the hospital and find May. He wants to sob into her chest and never let go. He doesn’t know if she is safe in there, but she has to be.
He moves to the next spot. The iron suits follow like they’re ordered too.
After that, the battle continues for another three hours until the robots suddenly shut off. Peter almost thinks he is imaging it when they power down one by one. He cries tears of joy only when they are all on the floor.
Tony did it. Tony did it.
Peter knew that he would. There was never a single doubt in his mind. Even so, the relief is all consuming when he falls to his knees.
Finally, he turns on his comms and hears everyone celebrating. Each of them sound exhausted, and it’s clear that Peter was not the only one who took some physical damage.
The team is finally ready to take care of their laundry list of injuries. It’s time to rest their bodies like they needed to hours ago. The battle ends at 6 PM, and Peter is starving.
He’s about to head towards the tower until he hears it. There’s another cry, but this one is filled with grief. He looks around the city to see everything that was destroyed in its path. Buildings are crushed, debris block the streets, and so many civilians have their own injuries that pain them.
The realization is devastating. Even now, the battle is not over.
Tony is quick to check on him, and Peter lies when reporting that he is on his way to the medbay like the rest of the Avengers.
Instead, Peter starts moving the debris off the roads, one by one. Most pieces are too heavy for a normal person to carry, though Peter handles it with ease even when his body trembles from overuse.
Some of the civilians start to join, grabbing smaller items and pulling them to the sidewalk. It takes an hour alone, though ambulances are then able to drive past and take people to hospitals. There’s still so many roads to clear.
An officer finds Peter next and asks for his help in Brooklyn. There is a building entrance crushed and blocked with 30 people inside. There’s plenty of injuries but thankfully no casualties. Peter channels all his strength to lift a piece of the building up. The team is then able to rush inside and grab each person trapped. The weight of the structure is piercing.
When Peter can finally let go, a woman rushes into his arms and thanks him for saving her family. She sobs while she calls him a hero, and Peter bites down his pain when her hug presses on his broken ribs. He thanks her in return.
Next, Peter is scaling a building and sinking people down one by one. The structure is secure for now, though there are fires at the bottom floors that trap a group of executives. When Peter makes it to the top, smoke and fumes blur his vision. He’s grateful that the firefighters are there to help, and everyone is out in due time as Peter attaches them to his web and gently lowers them to safety.
Then, Peter helps a thirteen year old boy find his parents. He is not much younger than Peter, though he seems small as he grips his hand like a lifeline. It takes a half hour to finally find them, and the dad pulls him into a soul crushing hug that has his brain rattling. He thinks he may have a concussion.
Peter is working on moving more debris off the roads when he sees an Iron Man suit land to his right. Peter smiles manically, grateful for the additional support even if the suit is empty. He shouldn’t be so surprised when the suit opens and Tony steps out in an instance.
Tony has injuries of his own that Peter doesn’t know about. There is white gauze wrapped around his head and his wrists are bandaged. Suddenly, Peter is filled with guilt. He didn’t even think to ask if Tony was hurt. He was supposed to be safe in the tower.
“Mister Stark, are you okay?”
Tony squints his eyes, “am I okay? You were supposed to visit the medbay hours ago. How are you still standing?”
Peter has wondered this as well. It’s pure adrenaline that keeps him on his feet. He doesn’t stop moving because he will split in half if he does. With that thought, he plants his toes to the floor.
“The battle’s not over yet.” Peter speaks the mantra on his mind that will not go away.
Tony’s eyes soften into a look of understanding. He observes the broken city before returning his gaze to Peter.
“I know buddy, but we need to check on you too... you can’t look out for everyone.”
And Peter knows this all too well. He has already seen the dead bodies from the fight. Those that they failed to save.
“But it’s not over,” Peter repeats, and his voice cracks at the end.
Tony takes a step forward, holding onto his arms gently. It makes him feel fragile, like a prized possession.
“There’s paramedics, police, firefighters, so many people that are helping. You did your part.”
May is out there saving lives too. She doesn’t get a break, so why should Peter?
Peter is about to voice this until he feels a wave of dizziness that shakes him to the core. After hours of working on overdrive, his energy is starting to dissolve altogether. It’s as if Tony’s mere presence is shutting him down, pushing him to safety.
He hears someone cry out a few blocks away. They sound pained, troubled. Peter starts to move towards it.
“We’re wasting time,” Peter mutters. He’s sinking to the ground before he can get the full sentence out.
But Tony catches him like he always does. The next time Peter wakes up, he is lying in the medbay with each of his own injuries cared for. He doesn’t know how long it’s been.
He sees Tony and May both by his side, sleeping off their exhaustion. It’s only then that Peter decides to be selfish and close his eyes as well. He doesn’t know how he had gotten to the medbay but it doesn’t matter. They’re here, they’re safe, and he is too.
He sleeps for hours.